NASA said the new technology developed in the Space Technology Mission Directorate will benefit aerospace and government industries in the U.S.

NASA has created a new program that will enable greater development in space technology for the future called the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

The Space Technology Mission Directorate aims to develop new, advanced technologies for both current and future NASA missions. NASA Associate Administrator Michael Gazarik will lead the new program.

"A robust technology development program is vital to reaching new heights in space -- and sending American astronauts to new destinations like an asteroid and Mars," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "A top priority of NASA is to invest in cross-cutting, transformational technologies. We focus on collaboration with industry and academia that advances our nation's space exploration and science goals while maintaining America's competitive edge in the new innovation economy."

The Space Technology Mission Directorate is expected to take a portfolio type of approach that will cover many discipline areas and levels of technology. The research and development will take place in NASA centers, industry, academia and government/international offices.

NASA said the new technology developed in the Space Technology Mission Directorate will benefit aerospace and government industries in the U.S., and will "address national needs."